Method and apparatus for modeling a track in video games using arcs and splines that enables efficient collision detection

A computer-implemented method for modeling a track, the method being performed using a computer including at least one processor to execute instructions tangibly stored on a computer readable storage medium, the method comprising:

• defining, using the computer, a curved outer arc and an inner arc which together define an arc track section therebetween, and using splines to define height data for the arc track section,
• wherein the splines are one-dimensional Hermite Splines.

A computer-implemented for modeling a track for a video game, the method being performed using a computer including at least one processor to execute instructions tangibly stored on a computer readable storage medium, the method comprising:

• defining, using a computer, a curved outer arc and an inner arc which together define an arc track section therebetween, using splines to define height data for the arc track section, and using the splines to add graphics to the track,
• wherein a plurality of straight track sections are defined, each said straight track section being defined by a length and a width, and
• wherein each of the outer arc, the inner arc, and the curved arc track section is not defined using a plurality of straight track sections.

A computer-implemented method of making track for use in a video game, the method being performed using a computer including at least one processor to execute instructions tangibly stored on a computer readable storage medium, the method comprising:

• defining, using the computer, a plurality of curved arcs, wherein each arc is defined by a common origin and angle and a different radius and arc sections are defined between adjacent arcs, applying a different texture to each arc section, and using splines to add height information to each arc section,
• wherein a plurality of straight track sections are defined, each said straight track section being defined by a length and a width, and
• wherein each said arc and arc section is not defined using a plurality of straight track sections.